Outrage Sweeps the Office

On the way home, Anya, held tightly in Kabuto Yakushi's arms, lifted her tear-streaked face and said through sobs, her voice full of guilt:

"I'm sorry, Father. It's all Anya's fault. Anya ruined the interview. Anya's a useless child..."

Yor's heart ached at the sight. She hurried over and said, "Mr. Loid, you can't blame Anya. It was that interviewer who—"

Kabuto gently raised a hand to stop her. He looked down at the little girl in his arms with a tenderness she had never seen before, brushed the tears from her cheeks, and spoke in a steady, reassuring voice:

"No, Anya. You did well. You don't need to apologize for your answers."

"Especially your wish to 'preserve peace in the Shinobi World.' That was wonderful. Truly admirable."

He paused. Anya had gradually stopped crying and was looking up at him with puzzled eyes. He continued:

"If everyone in the future cherishes and longs for peace the way you did today, I believe true, lasting peace in the Shinobi World will be achieved by your generation."

"Really?" A faint light returned to Anya's eyes.

"Yes, really." Kabuto smiled and nodded firmly.

But inside, he was thinking, It's over! This mission is hopeless now.

The Ninja Academy's security and screening are second only to the Raikage Building's. It's the cradle of Kumogakure's future, after all!

Even the commander and the others probably can't manipulate the official admissions results. Looks like Operation Owl ends here for the Forger family.

I knew this spy operation was a bad idea. Who drags a child into something like this? I'll have to find a way to get Anya safely back to Konoha first.

Anya clearly heard her father's grim thoughts. The comfort she had just found vanished, and her little face fell.

Her eyes filled